Beef and Potato Casserole

If Beef and Potato Casserole sounds like the kind of dinner that gives you a warm hug from the inside… you’re in the right kitchen. This is the meal you make when you want something hearty and satisfying, but you also don’t want to wash seventeen pans or listen to anyone ask, “What else is there to eat?” five minutes after dinner.

It’s simple: tender potato layers, a savory beef mixture, a creamy sauce that pulls everything together, and a cheesy top that turns golden and bubbly like it’s showing off. And honestly? It’s the kind of casserole that makes your house smell like you’ve got your life together—even if your laundry situation says otherwise.

So tie your hair up, grab that baking dish, and let’s make a Beef and Potato Casserole that’ll earn you “Can we have this again?” status.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Potato Casserole

• Family-proof comfort food: It’s cozy, filling, and familiar (aka picky-eater friendly).
• Easy layers, big payoff: Simple steps, impressive result.
• Perfect for busy nights: Most of the time is hands-off baking.
• Leftovers = jackpot: It reheats like a dream and tastes even better the next day.

This is exactly the kind of recipe I love sharing at Chicken Magic Recipes—approachable, comforting, and not trying to be fancy for no reason. (We save “fancy” for when we’re wearing real pants.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything, grouped exactly how you’ll use it.

For the Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Potato Layer

• 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

What This Casserole Tastes Like (In the Best Way)

Imagine a cross between a cozy shepherd’s pie vibe and scalloped potatoes—except easier, cheesier, and more weeknight-friendly. The smoked paprika gives the beef a little depth, the creamy sauce soaks into the potatoes as it bakes, and the cheese on top turns into that golden layer everyone “accidentally” scrapes extra of.

How to Make Beef and Potato Casserole (Step-by-Step)

These steps are simple and practical—no weird chef moves required.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it hot and ready because casseroles don’t like to wait around.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
2. Sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds—don’t let it burn).
4. Add the ground beef, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.

Tip from my kitchen: If your beef is extra greasy, drain a bit. You want flavor, not an oil slick.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

In a mixing bowl, toss your thinly sliced potatoes with:

• melted butter
• salt
• garlic powder
• black pepper

Make sure they’re coated. Every slice deserves to be delicious.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

1. Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the potatoes.
3. Top with the remaining potato slices, laying them out like shingles if you’re feeling fancy—or just scatter them evenly like a normal tired person.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

In another bowl, whisk together:

• milk
• heavy cream
• flour
• salt
• ground mustard
• dried parsley

Whisk until smooth, then pour it evenly over the whole casserole. Try to get it into all the nooks and crannies so every bite turns tender and creamy.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle on:

• shredded cheddar
• mozzarella
• and that extra cheddar (because you deserve joy)

At this point it will already look like a winner.

Step 7: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for 15 more minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let it cool slightly before serving. (I know. Hard. But this saves tongues.)

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a little color and freshness. Then serve it up while everyone suddenly appears in the kitchen “just to see what’s for dinner.”

Cooking Tips That Make It Even Better

• Slice potatoes thinly. This is the #1 trick for soft, tender layers. If you’ve got a mandoline, it’s helpful—but your knife and a little patience work too.
• Don’t skip resting time. Let the casserole sit 10 minutes after baking. The sauce thickens and slices cleaner.
• Want extra flavor? Add a pinch more smoked paprika to the sauce. It’s like turning the cozy dial up.
• Sauce looks a little lumpy while whisking? No stress. Whisk harder like you’re mad at your inbox. It smooths out.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This casserole became one of my “repeat offenders” on busy weeks—especially when I wanted something hearty that didn’t require me to babysit a pot for an hour. The first time I made it, I thought I’d have leftovers for lunch… and then my family went back for seconds like it was a competition.

Now it’s one of those recipes I make when I want everyone at the table to be quiet for a moment—not because I told them to, but because they’re too busy eating. That’s my kind of magic.

FAQs: Beef and Potato Casserole

The Cozy Payoff

When you need a dinner that feels comforting, filling, and basically guaranteed to make everyone happy, Beef and Potato Casserole is that recipe. It’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying—like comfort food with a little extra confidence.

If you make it, I hope it brings that “everyone’s finally eating and not complaining” peace to your evening. And if someone asks what’s for dinner tomorrow? Just point to the leftovers and smile—because this Beef and Potato Casserole might be even better the second time around.

Keep the Comfort-Food Streak Going

• If you loved this cozy bake, you’ll probably also swoon over this Crock Pot Cowboy Casserole for busy weeknights—it’s hearty, family-friendly, and basically made for “feed everyone without stress” nights.
• Want another cheesy, oven-baked favorite? Try Buffalo Chicken Casserole with a bold, creamy kick when you’re craving comfort food with a little attitude.
• If potatoes are your love language (same), save this one next: Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potato for cozy, loaded goodness—it’s like comfort food wearing a cute sweater.
• And for a simple side that feels like a warm hug, pair your casserole night with Honey Butter Cornbread that’s soft, sweet, and impossible to resist.

⭐ Tried this Beef and Potato Casserole? I’d love to hear how it went in your kitchen! Please leave a quick review and tap your star rating—five stars makes my day, but honest stars help everyone.

Print